The Anti-Defamation League Honors a Century of Work for Global Equality

Elizabeth Heideman

Joshua Force and Leanne Moses with co-chairs Sherrie and Alan Goodman

Cheryl Gerber

This past December, the South-Central Region of the Anti-Defamation League held a “Centennial Dinner Celebration,” commemorating the organization’s work for equality and for the end of discrimination within the United States, as well as on a global scale.

Michael Botnick served as chair of the Centennial Committee, and with help from co-chairs Sherrie and Alan Goodman and Louellen and Darryl Berger, the evening was a splendid success. Deputy National Director Ken Jacobson attended the dinner and delivered the keynote address, which wonderfully set the tone for the evening.

The ADL honored the South-Central Region’s Advisory Board Chairs for their work and also recognized the A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award recipients over the past 38 years. The award has been customarily bestowed upon outstanding civic leaders and those fighting for social justice within the local community. Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a 2004 Award recipient, was named honorary co-chair of the event.

The celebration was held in the exquisite Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and began with a cocktail reception, whose attendees were delighted with the smooth melodies of the Joe Simon Jazz Trio, followed by an exquisitely prepared seated dinner.
Recent projects undertaken by the South-Central ADL include the “No Place for Hate” School Initiative and diversity workshops for high school students.